How to Develop Teamwork Skill

ayshakhatunasha

September 2023

I can work in a team - a standard formulation that can be found in 90% of resumes. In practice, teams are very different, and the ability to exist in them requires a variety of professional and personal qualities.

So what is teamwork? When can it be called successful? Is it possible to develop a team player in yourself?

What is teamwork
How to develop the ability to work in a team. Photo 1
Teamwork implies the ability of an virtual phone number service employee to perform their tasks within the framework of a common cause with colleagues. A striking example of this are team sports (football, hockey), where each player has their own tasks and areas of responsibility. Of course, there are "soloists" and "corps de ballet", but success is possible only with a common effort.

When teamwork produces maximum results
How to develop the ability to work in a team. Photo 2
Successful teamwork is achieved through the synergy effect, when the overall result exceeds the sum of the contributions of each participant in the process.

At one time, Google conducted research, on the basis of which principles were formulated that contribute to the greatest effectiveness of teamwork.

Psychological safety. For productive work, most of us need a comfortable environment, as well as the opportunity to speak out and be heard. Regardless of the level of the hierarchy! That is, an employee can share his thoughts about the work process without fear of receiving condescending comments in response. Also, the ability to admit that the task at hand is unclear or its complexity was underestimated indicates psychological well-being in a team. Admitting mistakes is often difficult, but if you do not do this, the result will be catastrophic. When colleagues are confident in each other and know that they will find support, problems can be solved without losses.

Mutual reliability. There is confidence in the team that everyone will do their best. There is nothing more morally corrupting than a lazy and irresponsible colleague who cannot be relied upon and whose "piece of work" has to be finished by others.

Clearly set deadlines and goals. The clearer everyone understands what tasks and by what deadlines need to be completed, the more productive the work. It's a shame when, due to an incorrect technical task, part of the work is done in vain. A clear picture of the tasks increases the efficiency of work.

The importance of one in the whole. It is important that each team member understands that their contribution is important and brings everyone closer to the goal.




Benefits of Teamwork
How to develop the ability to work in a team. Photo 3
Teamwork skills are considered extremely important. It is ranked tenth on LinkedIn's list of the most in-demand skills for 2023.

Today, large global companies encourage employees to create joint projects. There are several reasons for this, and all of them are extremely beneficial for companies.

Reason 1. Teamwork creates fertile ground for the birth of innovative approaches, allows you to quickly find mistakes and choose optimal solutions. Such impressive results are achieved thanks to the free expression of ideas and active listening. This is how people who feel psychologically safe behave.

Reason 2. Working in a team allows you to make bold decisions. It is easier to choose a risky but promising option when you feel supported and know that your colleagues will share responsibility for the difficult choice. And greater risks often provide greater profits.

Reason 3. Active teamwork saves the company's resources needed to find and adapt newcomers. People want to stay where there are principles of mutual respect, fair pay, and productive communication.

How to Improve Teamwork Skills
How to develop the ability to work in a team. Photo 4
The Team Player Manifesto is a useful tool for creating a productive team atmosphere. It sets out simple rules that help create the right team spirit. For example, the manifesto may include the following points:

Don't "snitch". If a colleague has made a mistake, try to help him correct the situation, and not put him in an unfavorable light in front of management.

Don't keep score. A common cause won't be achieved by "a swan, a crayfish, and a pike" when everyone tries to extol their own contribution and diminish the merits of their colleagues. Rivalry is useful, but in moderation: the goal of work should not be limited to the desire to wipe the noses of others.